As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, many of us find ourselves becoming more active. We might start going for more walks or runs or dust off our bikes and go for a ride. In the summer, it’s common to spend time out on the water or play sports like beach volleyball, tennis, and baseball. While this is all great for our physical health, it's important to be aware of the increased risk of orthopedic injuries.
This blog post will discuss the most common orthopedic injuries that occur in the summer, what activities are most likely to cause injury, and how to prevent them.
From backyard barbecues to beach vacations, there are plenty of opportunities for accidents and injuries. Here are some of the most common activities that cause injury in the summer.
The majority of summer injuries happen during sports activities. Baseball, football, basketball, and soccer are among the most dangerous sports, with a high risk of head and neck injuries. Other common injury-prone activities include swimming, trampolines, biking, and skateboarding.
Many people think of their backyard as a safe haven—a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities without worry. However, the reality is that many people injure themselves in their backyards every year. Touch football, badminton, Slip n' Slides, all of these seemingly innocent activities can quickly become very physically demanding, even if they aren't organized or competitive.
One of the most common injuries to occur in the summer are shoulder injuries. This is often due to people engaging in outdoor activities that they may not be used to, such as swimming or tennis. Shoulder injuries can range from mild to severe and often occur when the rotator cuff is overused.
The knee is one of the largest and strongest joints in the body. Unfortunately, its intricate structure also makes it prone to various types of injuries, especially for sports enthusiasts. One of the most common sports injuries involving the knee is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. ACL tears happen when a person twists their knee.
Ankle injuries occur most frequently in sports that involve running and jumping. Among the most common sports injuries, football, basketball, and soccer have the highest rates of ankle injuries. Injuries are often caused by activities that put an athlete's foot in close proximity to other players, such as spiking or rebounding. In soccer, players are also prone to ankle injuries resulting from general play and quick direction changes.
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that occur due to repetitive stress or if the bone is exposed to a sudden, unaccustomed amount of force or impact. They are commonly seen in athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as running and football.
One of the most common summer injuries is a sprained ankle. Whether you're playing volleyball on the sand or hiking through the woods, an uneven surface can cause your ankle to twist and turn, leading to a sprain. A sprain occurs when a ligament that connects a bone to another bone is overstretched or torn. This can cause pain and swelling, but not necessarily dislocation. Sprains mainly occur in the wrist, ankle, and knee.
Dislocations are a common type of orthopedic injury, especially during the summer months. The most common type of dislocation occurs when the head of the bone is forced out of its socket. This can happen due to a fall while doing a sports-related activity.
The warmer months of summer bring more opportunities to participate in physical activity. Every year, orthopedic surgeons see a spike in patients with common summer injuries such as fractures, sprains, and dislocations. To help avoid these injuries, here are a few simple precautions that everyone can take
Stretch Before Outdoor Activities
With any new activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles first. A good warm-up helps to increase blood flow and reduces the risk of pulled muscles or strains. A good way to warm up your muscles is by doing some light cardio exercises to get your blood flowing. Once your muscles are warm, you can start stretching them. Hold each stretch for 30-45 seconds to give your muscles time to loosen up.
One of the most important things to do when participating in any activity is to wear the proper gear. This is especially true for activities with a high risk of injuries, such as biking or contact sports. Wearing protective pads and a helmet can help reduce the risk of severe head and neck injuries.
Investing in proper footwear can have a significant impact on your health. Wearing shoes that are not suited for the activity can gradually injure different areas of the body, such as the knee, thigh bone, shinbone, or back. Minor fractures may form when the bones and joints are not adequately cushioned to absorb the shock of high-intensity activities, easily leading to a more significant injury.
Going slow when starting new summer activities can help your body adjust and avoid injury. Your body needs time to adapt to the new demands being placed on it, and rushing into things can increase your risk of injury.
By consuming a variety of healthy foods, you can ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly. This is especially important if you lead an active lifestyle or are involved in strenuous activities. In addition, eating a balanced diet can help to prevent orthopedic injuries by keeping muscles and bones strong.
Diving into shallow water is a common cause of orthopedic injuries. When you dive, your body is propelled forward at high speed. If you hit the bottom of the pool or lake, the impact can cause fractures or dislocations. To avoid these injuries, always check the water depth before diving. If the depth is less than 10 feet, diving is not safe.
Nothing can ruin your summer quite like an orthopedic injury. If you are injured because of a summer activity and have been placed in a traditional plaster or fiberglass cast, you may find these casts can be quite constricting and uncomfortable. Additionally, they can often become quite itchy and cause odors.
Cast21 is a unique alternative to traditional fiberglass or plaster casts. This modern casting solution is engineered with lightweight and breathable materials that allow you to heal while still being able to participate in your favorite summer activities (with your doctor's permission, of course). With Cast21, there's no need to worry about your cast getting wet or dirty—the material is water-resistant and can be easily cleaned. Plus, the sleek design of Cast21 won't cramp your style.
If you're looking for a comfortable way to protect an injured bone or ligament this summer, Cast21 is the perfect solution. Ask your doctor if Cast21 is right for you.
